What are the Pros & Cons of Retinoids?

We're bringing you the first episode in a series with my colleague and partner in crime, Dr Emma Wedgeworth! We got so many questions from you all in the past few weeks and since Emma and I have a morning chat in my clinic at 152 Harley Street, I filmed it for you all!
Enjoy and leave your comments below!
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As always thank you so much for watching and for all your support!
Disclaimer: The content seen in this video is provided only for medical educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek professional help individually if you suffer from any dermatological condition. Due to the volume of patients seen in the clinic, and to the unique nature of skin, Dr Bunting is unable to respond to every query on these videos.
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Cinematography + Editing 🎥 By Hana Leist

[@mayakazed2101]

Pros: - Reduce risk of breakout - Anti-aging - Good for pigmentation - Pore clarity Cons: - Irritancy - Sun sensitivity - Pregnancy - Initial breakout You’re welcome

[@clairewillow6475]

Thanks! So in your opinion is it worth it?

[@mayakazed2101]

Claire Willow Definitely !

[@LittleKittyCat]

Thanks for saving my time.

[@GhostMasque]

Also thanks for the magnifying mirror quip and the comment on how once the skin clears up, we get closer and closer to the mirror and getting more and more obsessed with the fine print. That is brilliant , thanks. Best video yet.

[@LMLM-qv7vt]

Love the new chatty format! Really enjoy the refreshingly fun and simple explanations. So informative and helpful. You both are great ads for your own advice :) More great videos please!

[@maggieseixas-pickup3233]

Great video! Finally someone knowledgable explains all we want to know! Love your videos and keep them coming!

[@1960genius]

so grateful I found your channel, thank you!

[@aquablushgirl]

Love love love your channel. It is so helpful to get proper advice from a qualified Derm.

[@DebraBeeVideos]

Whilst taking your point on staring too long on a mag mirror, I'm afraid to tell you as the eyesight fades it's an essential for getting eyeliner in even vaguely the right place! Thanks for the videos they are v informative.

[@cindywebb7718]

This was so helpful! Thank you Dr Emma & Dr Sam xxx

[@m.l.9332]

Loved this video! Dr Sam, that dress (that colour!) looks a-mazing on you and Dr Emma is gorgeous! I'd follow anything you ladies were saying in a heartbeat. More videos like this please

[@GhostMasque]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. This was a video I didn't think I'd need, but you're right, my acne is mostly comedonal (I was never really sure it WAS acne until today, I always thought they were"clogged pores" - the hours I've spent googling trying to figure out what I had), and I'm on my 3rd week of treatment, and I was literally looking at my skin an hour earlier and freaking out and trying to figure out what could possibly have done to clog up the amazingly improving skin that I had these 2 and a half weeks. Thank you both of you for this. Dr Bunting, you're awesome.

[@lizcook542]

Love this, very informative. Thank you ladies xx

[@aisha648]

I'm just starting on it. That was a great vid!

[@teresacase3473]

Thanks so much for this video! A lot was explained

[@selenewaide8994]

Thanks for this, really helpful. Please could you do a follow up on best retinol products and how they compare?

[@lydiaanderson8243]

Love you Dr. Sam! Could you give some product recommendations for starter retinoids/retinols and those you'd recommend for stepping up the regimen.

[@buzzlightyearandco]

You ladies are so classy and elegant! Thanks for sharing the info

[@sheiladerooy7204]

great video. I would love to see a video on acid toners.....including IF you can use an acid toner while using Retin A.....basically any and all contraindications. thank you!

[@Daria-dg5el]

THANK YOU!! This is super helpful.

[@xAdrianaxL]

Love the format of this video! :) I have been using azelaic acid for around 3 weeks now and I have noticed, after a period of clear skin, a sudden increase in cystic acne around my chin. Does the 'worse before it gets better' also apply to azelaic acid? I'm hoping!

[@zaichee]

How i wish you guys would open a practice in Paris! Thank you for the great info! :)

[@oreos888]

Great videos! I'm 20 and prone to breakouts, and I've just started on a retinoid regime :) x

[@sadierodz3144]

Great video concept! You seem much more at ease & chatty in this format 😍Please do more this way and skin care routines for different age groups / skin types would be awesome!

[@deborahalice]

I had that initial breakout, and it was so nice actually - to know it was doing something. I have used a milder form of retinol previously and didn't have that and felt it wasn't really making a difference. Now it really is :)

[@abovetheclouds1771]

thank you for sharing great skin care advice. Can you do a segment on facial home peels,which is the best? thank you

[@mrssenta7197]

Nice, love your video's. What is the best one for thin and dry skin?

[@myconoclast]

I love retinol for my skin. Has helped so much with my cystic acne and made me more sun conscious. I'm 29 and getting a lot of under eye fine lines but using retinol there just tried the area! Wish I could do something. Thank you doctors for taking the time out to film :)

[@angelas4507]

Currently loving the Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. Reduced my pores, smoothed out my skin and just made everything look tighter. I'm able to use it every other night, but it can be strong for some skin types. Start out slow (once per week) and see how it goes.

[@jcjccmz]

great video. love the chit chat format

[@GhostMasque]

Yes! And how the conversation naturally brings up additional information that would otherwise not be covered is so helpful!

[@aleksandragrzenda2479]

We love you!

[@poweredman]

That initial purge is quite real. I’m going through that now. Not fun. But i know how the purging works and i will power through.

[@Chicpea101]

Great video, thank you Dr Sam & Dr Emma, you're both beautiful ladies x

[@emd7849]

When you have been on a prescription retinoid for cosmetic rather than acne reasons should you switch to a lesser 'off the shelf' version or always stick to the prescribed version?

[@perlestaomosowofa4363]

I love this video!!!!!!!

[@zzajamu]

can you use a retin A gel/cream and AHA glycolic acid 10% in the same skin routine ? i.e. use the retin A mon wed, sat, and the glycolic acide tues, thurs. or anyway really. how can I incorporate both into my skincare routine?

[@ileniaalfieri9929]

I love this video 😍😍😍 You made me laugh 😂❤❤❤

[@beechic63]

Hi would you be able to post any links to the studies you mention that suggest that the spots begin 8-12 weeks before they appear on the surface. PS love your video's thank you

[@Saraandersen44]

What are your favorite products including retinoids?

[@kchrystallord]

Terrific video - thank you so much. I use a 1% retinol a few times a week which i assume also can't be used in pregnancy - but can Matryxil products be used instead during pregnancy?

[@beckyc.5743]

Oh my gosh! Even at 59 I had no idea how many tiny comedones I had on my cheeks! Tretinoin has really brought it all to the surface. Thank you Dr. Sam for showing the use of an AHA as part of your daily skincare regimen because that has definitely helped during this time. I discovered a CosRx product, Whitehead power liquid, which has helped during the day so that I don’t feel so desperate when using tretinoin at night

[@civilizeddiva]

Was there a discussion on skin cycles"? What is happening underneath the surface of our skin that causes spots? Why does that process take weeks?

[@jassr5086]

Hi Sam, I love your videos. I use the ordinary retinol 2%. Is that any good?? I am struggling from melasma. Can u please advice?? Thanks

[@Charito29NP]

Dr. Bunting, what do you think of the Korean beauty regime: double cleanse, toner, treatments, serums, sunscreen etc

[@Eli.jaimev]

Can retinol be used with AHAs or salicylic acid?

[@MsGingerella]

Can you recommend some retinoids I can buy? I have spots on my chest I have had for years and get married next year and desperately want a smooth spot free decolatage xx

[@TheChicCritic]

brilliant!

[@aun_nadeem]

i have cystic acne what product do you reccomend for me?

[@TSlowdive]

Hello Dr. Sam! Thank you for this video! Very informatief! I'm 37 years old. Would you recommend me to start to use prescription tretinoin cream or gel O,025%? How long can it be used? Months, years, lifelong? Is it safe to use it lifelong? I read that vitamin A is stored by our body. Is it possible that there will be too much vitamin A stored in the body if it will be used whole life? Thank you!

[@julianafogaca10]

I just started to use retinoid 0.5 and I already noticed dryness redness and peeling,i am using sunscreen every morning before going out but i was just wondering if i can keep using my essential oil (rosehip oil) if yes it’s better to use in the morning or night? Another question is if i can do a chemical peeling to help even more better with my dark spots. Thanks

[@astoldbyalexa]

Do you really think over the counter retinoids such as la Roche posay redermic (as you have mentioned before) work well for minor acne as well as preventing aging? Or do you believe retinoid use for acne is better when prescription strength? After 2 years my skin would never adapt (in regards to sensitivity) to prescription retinal no matter which is way I applied so was wondering if an over the counter might be a much better option as they aren't as potent ? xx

[@shannaantwerp8845]

dokter what are your thoughts about AVÈNE TRIACNÉAL as a gentle retinol?

[@Dips271]

Which Retinoid can I use if I am starting at 35? I have a sensitive skin

[@sarahfox6375]

Is it wise to use a retinol cream for a few months before using a prescription Retin A? I've used retinol for a year now... does this mean it will cause less sensitivity when I move to the stronger form?

[@music5304]

I have mild acne Rosecea, I break out every year/year and half. Can I use retinoids? Clare

[@evelyncastro1607]

If my adult acne after the treatment with retinoids gets better, can I stop using it or I stop using it I will breakout? Does it use is permanent?

[@n33oh]

Con #5: The Hayflick Limit is a concept that helps to explain the mechanisms behind cellular aging. The concept states that a normal human cell can only replicate and divide forty to sixty times before it cannot divide anymore, and will break down by programmed cell death or apoptosis.

[@eilidhrm]

Hello! What would you recommend first line topically for acne from NHS GP? Benzoyl peroxide and topical abx well established but I don't think topical retinoids are used as much. Thanks :)

[@katecrowley1858]

Do you recommend facial massage or microcurrent

[@tedoymisojos]

I disagree on spots taking 8 weeks to form. Some might obviously, but when I use a foundation or moisturizer that clogs my pores, the pore clogging, whitehead EXPLOSION and blackhead colonization happens in days to weeks. The pores fill with white gunk, the face feels bumpy and oh the whiteheads. Cystic acne takes longer on me.

[@kathypinnow7079]

Do you have to wait 30 minutes after you wash your face to apply retnoids?

[@charliejohnsen]

Hello! Can you use retinoid while breastfeeding? Love C

[@MegaHannanas]

The processen of the skin are very slow, dont expect results until up to 12 weeks, yet here I am, ate chocolate 2 days ago and now my face looks like the alpes.

[@amyhemingway107]

Where do you get them from..? Are they in creams or pill form?

[@6imposiblethingsb4breakfast]

what about Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate? How effective is this form of Vitamine A?

[@Spexckz]

Is retinoids or retinals good for a 15 year old with pigmentation and redness And what is recommended for a 15 year old for pigmentation and darkness/redness

[@grainnescanlon2690]

As dermatologists, do you guys know of the Vitamin A derivative trans-retinoic acid ester (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) which is relatively new to the market is effective or not? It's in Sunday Riley's Luna Oil (think maybe Dr. Bunting is not a fan of face oils, oh well) and I've seen great results from it, but I don't know if that's from just the other ingredients/essential oils. Do you know if it's actually clinically effective?

[@sandrinanguyen4261]

Great question, I was wondering the same thing! Please answer this!!! :)

[@amnaki]

Is it safe to use retin A (long-term period,years maybe decades)?

[@n33oh]

The Hayflick Limit is a concept that helps to explain the mechanisms behind cellular aging. The concept states that a normal human cell can only replicate and divide forty to sixty times before it cannot divide anymore, and will break down by programmed cell death or apoptosis.

[@victoireumuhire3384]

Hi! Wondering if your suggestion work for black people, (more melanin) as well, or if you would have a different recommendation. Thanks

[@tracik1277]

So glad you mentioned about pregnancy and vitamin A... NO ONE ELSE IS SAYING THIS!!!

[@DrSamBunting]

I talk about it more in my 'Skincare in Pregnancy video' if that'd be of your interest! x

[@Shanna777]

Hi Dr Sam, ive been using skinceuticals retinol 0.5 for 2 months and i started to have pimples on my cheeks. Is it part of the adjustment Dr? 🥴🥴🥴🥴 thank you for this video. I almost wanted to buy ZO products to remove the acne. Once in a while i use the p50 biologique lotion is it okay? Thank you Doctor. Hope you can reply. 😘😘😘😘

[@dynamitedynamite2737]

Hey doc any retinoids to smooth out atrophic scarring and PIH on dark skin ? Thanks doc

[@strangestranger7821]

Can i use a peel off mask while using retinoid?

[@ayiabass2796]

I live I Brazil and I use Vichy HA retion n I do break up pls should I change my retion I ve combination skin

[@kooltom4]

Really great info, but just wondering what falls within the definition of retinoids. Is it retinol and retin A (which I think is the one called tretinoin?). I live in Australia and the state I live in only allows prescription retin A for acne, not for anti aging. So I have to rely on over the counter retinol. I can speak from experience about the damage the sun does to one's face. As a teen in the 70's I lay covered in oil baking for hours like a fried egg.....and now I'm paying the price. Do not let your body get suntanned! Even 30 years after I last sunbathed, my back still continues to erupt with new sun damage blemishes and bumps and moles etc. It's so not worth it!!!

[@julesshort9219]

Love your videos. Strangely my under eye area becomes much worse with retinoids (increased crepeness + fine lines). The rest of my face definitely benefits from it but not the under eye area. After stopping the retinoids my under eye are improved. I tried the retinoid again after an extended break but the same thing happened again. I'm totally perplexed bc all the research support it's anti-aging properties. Any ideas Dr Sam and Emma?

[@Twitchey1]

jules short ur not suppose to put RetinA directly under the eye...

[@Talula-Darling]

I keep hearing about retinol products thinning the skin causing a papery look. What is your opinion on that?

[@Haydee483]

What is the difference between retinol and tretinol

[@vliegsterke]

Hello Dr Sam, I've been searching the internet about retinoids and read about the Hayflick limit, the theory that cells can renew themselves only a limited number of times. I would like to use a tretinoin but rhis worries me a bit. What is your opinion?

[@quietbelle8662]

Love all of your videos. Is it safe to use a retinol while doing laser hair removal at once a week?

[@oreos888]

hi, not Dr. Sam but I've been told to stop retinoids at before, and after treatments such as waxing or laser hair removal. Maybe a week before at most?

[@quietbelle8662]

Thankyou so much x

[@vaishnavikadam8636]

Does it also includes adaplene gel?

[@rheaphilip1995]

Does this apply for Retinol 1% too?

[@monicabagonamarkande]

Hi Dr. Sam. Is it true that tretinoin can make pores look bigger at first? This happens to me everytime I use Retin A. Been using it for both acne and anti-aging. My pores is almost not visible prior to using it but once I started it, I would notice this happening. I researched about it and I saw that this pore enlargement thing also happens to many Retin A users. What’s your opinion on this. Thank you much.

[@dynamitedynamite2737]

Think you got to moisturise before or after retin A to stop this problem

[@anadungu6433]

What to do if EVERY sunscreen on the market breaks you out . Fizical or chemical ... on the days when I stay home everything goes amazing . The moment I apply sunscreen to be able to go outside ... BOOM ... a huge and painful pimple . Every single time .I’m finding myself in a never ending horror story . Any advice ?!

[@KalliBella1]

Thank you Doctors. Great information. I have a question about the long term use of retinoids (Retin A/tretinoin). Is the prolonged use (years/decades) of this medicine toxic to the liver? Toxic to our body in general? And is it true that in the long run, this medication can cause thinning of the skin? I would love to read your expert opinion! Thank you :) ~Gloria :)

[@jessiesaavedra8801]

Oly MH yes I would love to know as well and are you more prone to skin cancer due to the thinning of your skin??

[@scemat]

This is a great question. Are there any studies evaluating the risks of long-term use of retinoids, especially tretinoin?

[@Haydee483]

Great question.

[@cocodakilla]

Yes that is why pregnant women are told to avoid. It's not ok like rosehip oil and when you stop using it it stops working too. It not only thins skin but the excess vit a which is not natural, you put yourself at hige risks. Plus these ladies don't look as amazing as they think lol

[@charlierose1842]

I have heard countless doctor's say that there usually isn't funding to study pregnant women with these products, so there are no studies. This leads to the 'don't use while pregnant' statement being posted on the product just for precaution. Retin A started being studied in the 80's though, so there is almost 40 years worth of data showing that it's super safe. Check out Dr. Dray's channel about Retin A. Super helpful/interesting! :)

[@rosielovesswift]

I've used the medik8 retinoid serum 3 times and my skin has broken out so bad, am I just experiencing the initial breakout you were talking about? :( I feel so hopeless.

[@bvrlylava]

Is that the crystal retinal? How is it now?

[@hanarobert5346]

Hi Dr and what city are you located?

[@sandraescauriazarubio9629]

I use retinoid once a week at night but I also use Glycolic acid, I would like to know which one is better for anti aging, as I feel an instant result with the Glycolic that I don't see with the Retinoid. Ah i am 47

[@keithparkhill4218]

Sandra Escauriaza Rubio In order for any wrinkle repair to take place you have cause micro damage to the dermis. AHA cannot reach this level.

[@mave143]

Tretinoin is king for anti-aging, but consistent use of glycolic acid does increase collagen. Use both--but never on the same day.

[@phuonghull]

I've been using Tretinoin.025 percent for 6 weeks now, I am up to every night. Have not experienced any peelings or irritation. Does that mean it's not working. Thinking about going to .050.

[@sable7114]

Did you ever get an answer to this question? I would like to know as well.

[@anaismirabile1943]

thank you for the informative video. I've been using Retin A (aka tretinoin) 0.05% for well over six months now and the peeling, dryness and irritability has not subsided yet. How long should I wait to see any meaningful improvements in the quality of my skin. I am currently 26 years old and fear i am not enjoying my youthful skin while i still have it. should I stop using Retin A or will my skin adapt to it eventually? would really appreciate your thoughts. :)

[@edgarscirulis1129]

Anais Mirabile have you considered .025% instead?

[@ditadatje7419]

@@francesca7304 yes it is

[@khushboo6717]

Loved your views.. how long should one use tretionoin??

[@mave143]

For the rest of your life. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Tretinoin is a commitment.

[@angeladavies898]

Really interesting video, but I, probably like a lot of viewers am never likely to see a dermatologist and get prescription Retinol, so could you please give us a good guide to products we could buy over the counter?

[@ctaylorluce]

I just asked my GP to prescribe some and she did. It's even covered on my drug plan.

[@ctaylorluce]

Sorry I should have mentioned that I am in Canada. If I had to pay it's about 20 dollars a month so that's around 10 pounds.

[@AudreyNataliaKosmar]

Is there an alternative to retinoid? Cos i'm not quite brave enough to go through irritancy and initial breakouts 😢

[@edgarscirulis1129]

Audrey Natalia Glycolic acid

[@plebproblems4315]

What retinoid would you recommend for a 22 year old with hyperpigmination, sensitive skin and breakouts?

[@amyr5126]

Would also love to know!

[@adnanros4634]

Differin x

[@dynamitedynamite2737]

Adnan Ros you tried differin ? Is it 0.1% ?

[@cristinarisso8668]

I read and read and read if Retin A can worsten broken capillaries, but what do you think ? Thank you :)

[@puppetmaster3911]

I have had a VERY BAD experience with prescription retina. I used it by directions, and always wore sunscreen to. It caused my blue veins to show, it caused unusual big lines that stick out of my skin, and dents to form as well as stretched skin and stretched dents with no cause or explanation, sagging skin on one side of my face. It also caused numbness in my face, and one day after retina I couldn't move my leg. I also noticed that it caused my skin to itch all over my body, and it caused an area of my skin on my forehead to turn grey and a big bump sticking out. It also caused my skin to look like I have huge pock marks big pores all over my face (even on my forehead and I never even had a zit on my forehead) as well as cottage cheese looking skin on my face. I am horrified and praying my skin goes back to normal since I stopped. I am waiting....I am only 35 and I feel retina has aged me atleast 10 years or older. I am so so so scared! My skin still looks like shit. I look like a monster. I am not saying this would happen to everyone, but there are side affects and risks and I think more people should speak up about the negative side affects. I am patiently waiting for my skin to return to normal, and I stopped the retina a few weeks ago..............I hope that it returns to normal I have read horror stories of peoples skin NEVER returning to normal after they use retina. It is like playing russian roulette. It isn't worth the risk. There are other ways to boost collagen naturally. Try vitamin C, or BHA AHA peels, Vitamin C derivitives (if you want something more stable), manuka honey, MSM cream, NIacinamide for more natural ways to boost collagen and elastin in the skin. Taking high quality vitamin C as a supplement and MSM, and bone broth or collagen geltain supplements. I guess only you will decide if its worth the risk. Best of luck either way!!!!!!!!

[@sable7114]

@@puppetmaster3911 so sorry to hear that. Where did you buy your Retin-A and have you consulted with a physician about those side effects? If so, what did your physician say? Did you mix the Retin-A with other things like Alpha hydroxy acids or glycolic acid in the same use? Hope your face has healed by now oh, I pray it has.

[@kimberlyklein979]

Do you think one can use too much retinol ? My Facialist says that the couple little micro bumps I have on my face is caused by too fast of skin turning causing a skin build up is this true in concept? How do I get rid of the little bump and still use retinol?

[@savvyfeminist4700]

Help a sista out! what is the difference between retinol and retinoid? Can you use retinol during pregnancy Secondly would you consider doing a video on active ingredients in cleansers, toners, oils, serums and moisturisers that are OK to combine and also shouldn't be combined in a skincare routine. For example, if I use Oskia Renaissance cleansing gel which has pumpkin enzymes, Pixi glow tonic which has glycolic acid, a vitamin enriched serum will this be too harsh on my skin or cause sensitivity? Thank you.

[@KatrinaLovesAdrian]

Retinol is over the counter, retinoid is by prescription only. Both are contraindicated during pregnancy.

[@cristinabalan4037]

Retinol is a retinoid and it's available over to counter, usually in concentration of up to 1%. There are products with a higher concentration, Peter Thomas Roth has one, but they're header t get in Europe, as 1% is the maximum concentration admitted for over the counter products. Tretinoin (retin A, renova), isotretinoin (isotrexin), tazarotene (tazorac) and adapalene (differin) are retinoids that are sold on prescription and have better results but more serous side effects. Usually, if you're worried about wrinkles, you' ll be prescribed tretinoin, if acne is your problem, you're probably going to get adapalene or isotretinoin based products, that often come with other substances added, such as benzoyl peroxide or an antibiotic.

[@tonyvirdanen1]

Retinol in cosmetic products isnt in its active stage for the skin to use , so it has to be converted into retinoic acid (tretinoin) . In doing so , it's less effective and there's no way to tell how much of it gets converted and is available for the skin to use. Tretinoin ( retinoic acid ) is in its active form , meaning that the skin cells can readily use it without having to convert it. It's very effective but tends to be more irritating in the early stages of treatment. You'd be better off with a prescription retinoid or if you live in US try otc Differin gel ( Adapalene ) than using a cosmoceutical retinol product. The only vitamins that have evidence if being beneficial to the skin when applied topically are : Niacinamide ( Vit B3 ) Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid ) Panthenol ( Vitamin b5 ) and vitamin E

[@georginaparis7411]

What would you recommend instead if you are pregnant? Thanks. xxx

[@amyr5126]

Azelaic acid perhaps?

[@bvrlylava]

How old are they?

[@ecazzolli]

Hello Dr. Sam and Dr. Emma! I have a question: I use the Obagi Tretinoin at night after I cleanse my face. I usually mix it with my Obagi hydrate and a few drops of the Josie Maran Argan Oil. Is it ok to mix my products together to make kind of a little "face cocktail" to put them on my face? I just wanted to make sure nothing was being inactivated by being applied together. Love your channel!

[@Haydee483]

Emily Cazzolli great question I used Obagi tretinoin.

[@whatadizzydance]

i can only get the retinoid adapalene from my doctor and i worry it isn't as effective as tretinoin, but that's impossible to get hold of

[@KatrinaLovesAdrian]

No adapalene is awesome!! It's just like tretinoin (Retin-A) but better for sensitive skin. My derm originally started me on tretinoin but my skin is so sensitive I couldn't tolerate it so he switched me to adapalene. I asked why i couldn't have just started with the adapalene (since he knows I have really sensitive skin and prone to eczema, rashes, etc) and he told me that usually most health insurances in the United States won't cover it until you've tried the cheaper tretinoin. If adapalene is not working for you (after 6wks) then I would see your derm and ask to increase the concentration of your Rx.

[@whatadizzydance]

+Where are the donuts? we can't get tretinoin at all, I've always been desperate to try retin a micro, but it's not available here. I've been on adapalene for nearly 2 months without much improvement in my breakouts so I'm moving on to epiduo which is adapalene but with benzoyl peroxide too

[@KatrinaLovesAdrian]

+whatadizzydance nice! Hopefully that'll work for you! I did start by using a benzoyl peroxide face wash in the morning and that really helped w big cystic acne.

[@KatrinaLovesAdrian]

+whatadizzydance nice! Hopefully that'll work for you! I did start by using a benzoyl peroxide face wash in the morning and that really helped w big cystic acne.

[@whatadizzydance]

+Where are the donuts? i find benzoyl can really irritate my skin so I'm being cautious!!

[@hallreis]

Do you think your comments are more directed towards 20-somethings, what with all the focus on acne? Not that acne is exclusive to youth. And weddings, and the emphasis on starting Retinoids early.